Local family needs help after near death accident
1/31/2016 at 11:33 AM
I'm reaching out to Brandon and the surrounding communities to help my good friend and his family. The following is a detailed recount of the unfortunate incident that has left this family in need. Please donate at gofundme.com (Rob's medical fund) if you can, every dollar will help. If you can't donate please share and spread the word. Thank you.
On the evening of January 6, 2015 Rob was in a snowmobile accident on his property. His snowmobile had hooked its ski on a hidden barbwire fence under the snow and launched him 50 feet, landing him on his head. When the dogs would not stop barking, Vickie knew something was wrong and proceeded to search for him. Then upon noticing the dogs barking and looking to the east she headed in that direction. She found the skidoo upside down and Rob laying in the field. 45 minutes later Rob was on his way to Neepawa where they placed him in an induced coma and on life support. From there he was air lifted to Winnipeg where he underwent emergency brain surgery. He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
For the first 2 months Rob was in ICU at the Health Sciences Center. Vickie remained alone in Winnipeg so she could be near Rob while family cared for her children at home. For the next 8 months Rob was in several rehabilitation centers in Winnipeg and Selkirk. During this time Rob had to relearn everything, including walking, talking, how to read, etc. Meanwhile dealing with memory problems and the ability to see only in one eye. During the week Vickie was now able to stay with her children at home and on weekends they would go in to see Rob. Over time they were allowed to bring Rob home on weekend passes. In October 2015 Rob was able to come home under the care of his wife with ongoing outpatient therapy every week.
One year from the accident Rob is still experiencing left side weakness affecting motion in his leg and arm. He has lost sight from the center to the periphal vision in the left eye. His memory is still affected as well.
A recent visit to the neuro ophthalmologist in Winnipeg recommended starting vision therapy in Winnipeg once a week for a year. As outlined to them therapy and prism glasses would be needed in order to fix Rob's left eyesight. Without this his eyesight will not get any better. There is no MPI claim because there was no insurance on the snowmobile. Manitoba Health does not cover this as well and his wife's benefits have already been exhausted and are not able to help. The cost for therapy and glasses is approximately $10000.00.
It would be such a help and relief to this family to have the funds for this therapy in order to immediately start this program to fix Rob's eyesight. It would also be wonderful to see them receive a little extra in order to help recoup medical costs over the past year and to cover upcoming costs in traveling and other medical expenses over the next year.
Since the beginning of this accident Rob has shown a will and determination to beat all the odds against him. From doctors saying he won't get off of life support, to tests coming back constantly showing that Rob should not be able to walk, or talk. Rob is a walking miracle. Rob's determination is to not stop until he is 100% recovered. Please help him achieve his goal and aid in his recovery, so he can persue his dreams. This therapy means the world to his family and to Rob's future. Please help me reach this goal so Rob can get this done.